This subject contains endless possibilities for creating sculptures in clay that feature toads, frogs or even newts and salamanders. It could be toads peeping out from under a mossy log (‘ toads in the hole’!), a newt crawling out of an old rusty paint tin or frogs among fungi or sitting on the rim of a pitcher plant. Anything goes! In this two day ceramic workshop, students will be encouraged to use their imagination to place this genre of wildlife in any situation of their choosing. The emphasis is on creating a good level of realism and I will demonstrate how this can be achieved.
A variety of illustrations, artefacts and natural objects will be available as examples and inspiration and drawing materials will be provided to help students to sketch their ideas initially. At the end of the course I will take the work home to my studio in York to dry our prior to glazing and firing. Students may specify any colours they would like applied to their sculpture. The fired and finished work will be available to collect from Nature in Art from Tuesday 21st May.
This course is a wonderful introduction to the world of coloured pencil techniques. Learn the art of layering and blending Derwent Coloursoft Pencils whilst using different pencil strokes to create the textures required for the subject. All materials will be supplied including a line drawing to trace for those not wishing to draw free hand.
This course is a wonderful introduction to coloured pencil and water colour pencil techniques. One method of using watercolour pencils will be explored for the watery background. Learn the art of layering and blending assorted coloured pencils to create the turtle. All materials will be supplied including a line drawing to trace for those not wishing to draw free hand.
On this 1-day course you will make Plant Climbers, Plant Supports, Trellises and
decorative Garden Hurdles, all out of willow grown in Somerset and here in Gloucestershire.
Helen will guide you through each stage of the process, whilst introducing you to the different varieties of willow which you can use to make your creations unique.
By the end of the day you should have been able to make 3-4 items to take home to put in the garden.
This one-day workshop which will introduce you to Sumi-e, the ancient art of creating Japanese ink pictures, or Japanese brush painting. Traditionally, these paintings feature subjects from the natural world such as flowers and birds. The Japanese experience painting as a form of meditation that brings peace and harmony to the artist and the finished pieces are intended to inspire the same sense of tranquility and joy in the viewer. This practical course will help you master all the techniques you’ll need to create striking paintings and discover the spiritual aspects of this unique art form.
The first of two one day Workshops to help you leave Auto Mode and make the most of your Digital SLR/Bridge camera.
If you have only used Auto mode, or tried other settings on your Digital SLR/Bridge camera, with disappointing results, this workshop will give you a good understanding of photography and how to work in Manual mode in just one day. You will have plenty of “hands on” experience combined with information/worksheets helping you put your new skills into practice.
You will learn about the relationship between ISO, Aperture and Shutter Speed and how to use this to transform your images – YOU will be in control! We will also learn how to add interest to your photographs with advice on Composition as you produce a range of images.
On this 2-day course you will learn all about working with graphite pencil from experienced artist Jamie Boots.
Graphite pencil can be used to produce so much more than just a sketch.
Jamie will show participants that. whether or not you are using a pencil that is blunt or sharp, pressing lightly or hard, or using a variety of tones, the realistic texture of skin, fur and the glassy look of an eye can be achieved.
The second of two one day Workshops to help you leave Auto Mode and make the most of your Digital SLR/Bridge camera.
Build on your Workshop 1 experience or if you are comfortable using Manual mode on your Digital SLR/Bridge camera, this workshop will develop your skills and help you learn new techniques to become more creative.
Areas to be covered include : Manual mode – how and when to use it. Understanding and using light in your photography. Action photography – capturing movement effectively: freezing, blurring, panning. Composition – the formal elements: line, tone, shape, texture, form, colour. Black & White – when and how to use it. Metering modes.
This workshop is a riot of paper play – folding a multitude of clever, intriguing and practical little books, wallets and envelopes or wraps. Have a lot of fun making them for yourself or as gifts for someone special. No particular skills required so this workshop is suitable for all levels of capabilities.
Silk paintings are created on white silk, using brilliantly coloured dyes . These dyes can be contained to certain areas by the use of gutta, which forms a resist . Over the weekend we will practise drawing with tubes of gutta to create pictures, plus we will have the opportunity to try out the many other techniques that can be used to create gorgeous effects on the silk.









